#120 Bahadur Movie Songs/sbkinews.in
In an emotionally charged revelation at the music launch of the upcoming war film 120 Bahadur, veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar shared how his earlier experiences while working on Lakshya deeply influenced his approach to writing songs for the new movie. The celebrated writer, who has been known for blending poetry with patriotism, said that his real-life interactions with the Indian Army during the making of Lakshya helped him shape the emotional tenor of 120 Bahadur.
Speaking at the event on Tuesday, Javed Akhtar recalled how Lakshya, directed by his son Farhan Akhtar and released in 2004, was not just another war film for him but a deeply personal journey into the lives of soldiers who serve selflessly at the nation’s borders. The research that began nearly two decades ago has now, in many ways, come full circle with 120 Bahadur.
Immersing into the World of Soldiers
Explaining the background of his research for Lakshya, Akhtar said that he had spent several days with the Indian Army during Operation Vijay, the Kargil War in 1999, to understand the mindset of soldiers. “The war was still going on when I went there,” he said. “A year later, General Arjun Ray invited me to the first anniversary of Operation Vijay. I was in Dras, one of the coldest places in the world after Siberia, where a Martyrs’ Memorial had been built. It was an experience that left a deep impression on me.”
During his visit, Akhtar was one of only two civilians who addressed the troops — the other being General Ray. Being among regiments stationed at the frontlines allowed him to witness the discipline, brotherhood, and sacrifices that define military life. “Spending time with the army made me realize that being a soldier isn’t just a profession; it’s a way of life,” he said. “We often recognize soldiers by their uniforms, but once you see how they live, train, and fight, you understand their world in a much more profound way.”
These experiences became a creative foundation for his work on Lakshya and later, 120 Bahadur. According to Akhtar, writing about patriotism is not just about glorifying heroism but also about capturing the human emotions behind duty and sacrifice.
From Lakshya to 120 Bahadur: The Creative Continuum
When Javed Akhtar was approached to write songs for 120 Bahadur, he instantly drew upon his earlier experiences — memories that were still vivid even after two decades. “My time with the army during Lakshya helped me immensely while writing 120 Bahadur,” he said. “The camaraderie, courage, and moments of solitude I witnessed in the high mountains of Ladakh became a part of my creative DNA.”
120 Bahadur explores the untold stories of bravery from India’s armed forces, presented with modern cinematic flair but rooted in emotional authenticity. The film’s title itself reflects valor — “bahadur,” meaning brave — and the number, according to reports, signifies the contingent of soldiers who stood firm against overwhelming odds in a critical operation.
Akhtar’s lyrics, as always, are expected to blend intense realism with emotional depth, a combination that has defined his most iconic works over decades. The songs, composed to resonate with both patriotic fervor and human sensitivity, aim to remind audiences of the silent strength that defines the Indian soldier.
Father, Critic, Collaborator
The film 120 Bahadur marks another collaboration between Javed Akhtar’s son, Farhan Akhtar, and producer Ritesh Sidhwani. The duo, known for their successful productions under Excel Entertainment, has previously delivered hits like Dil Chahta Hai, Don, and Lakshya itself. Both father and son have a deep-rooted respect for each other’s craft, but Javed Akhtar admits he is his son’s fiercest critic.
“I have seen 120 Bahadur, and as always, I am the harshest critic of Farhan and Ritesh,” he said with a smile. “But I can say with pride that they’ve made a wonderful film. It does justice to the theme and will make the country proud.”
The lyricist’s words were met with applause from the audience, which included members of the cast, crew, and several film personalities. For Akhtar, who has spent decades weaving stories and verses that honor courage, love, and identity, 120 Bahadur is more than just another project — it is the reaffirmation of his lifelong association with words that celebrate humanity’s noblest instincts.
A Journey Beyond Scripts and Songs
As he reflected on his creative journey, Akhtar hinted that writing for films based on real-life heroism brings both responsibility and fulfillment. He added that capturing the emotional core of the soldier’s experience requires sensitivity and truth, not embellishment. “Lakshya taught me that the stories of our soldiers carry lessons in humility and devotion. 120 Bahadur gave me another chance to honor that spirit through music and words,” he said.
The music launch concluded with a preview of the film’s title track, which reportedly brought many in the audience to tears. Set against stirring visuals of the mountains and the tricolor waving in the cold Himalayan wind, it stood as a testament to the enduring bond between art, memory, and patriotism.
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